Bhubaneswar: A day after at least six persons were allegedly murdered in different parts of Odisha during Holi celebrations, opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government over law and order situation in the state.
Coming down heavily on the state government, senior BJD leader and MLA Arun Sahoo alleged that the BJP regime has failed to maintain law and order despite having promised to ensure public safety during the festival of colours.
“Wherever there are ‘Maha Nagars’ (big cities), there have been ‘Maha Murders’ (major murders,” the former Minister said, while questioning the efficiency of the government in enforcing law and order in the state.
The murders took place despite the announcement made by the government the festival would be celebrated in a peaceful manner across the state, he said.
The BJD leader sought to know as to why so many murders are taking place in broad daylight even after the government gave a number warnings about stern action against criminals.
It seems the criminals are getting strength to commit more crimes as they have come to know that there is a ‘weak’ government in the state, Sahoo claimed.
Reacting sharply to the BJD leader’s allegation, Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra claimed that the problems that prevailed during the previous government continues to be a major burden at present.
The BJP leader cited acute crunch of manpower in the police force and questioned accountability, suggesting ongoing governance shortcomings. “We are dealing with the consequences of the BJD government’s ineffectiveness. BJD Sarkar Ra Sukhua Bojha Ame Mundeichhu, Enu Jete Kiaphula Marile Bi Gandha Chhaduni,” Mohapatra told reporters.
He said the law enforcement agencies would be strengthened soon as the recruitment process has been initiated to fill up the existing vacancies in the police force.